The Williamsburg Health Foundation recently awarded more than $1 million to community groups focused on improving the health of area residents.

“A major thrust of the Foundation’s work for many years has been to look at upstream determinants of health and try to level the playing field so everyone in our community can have a chance to lead a healthier life for the long term,” Carol Sale, foundation president and CEO, said in a news release.

The foundation’s board of trustees approved more than $1 million in grants to 17 health projects operated by 15 local organizations on Monday. The largest grant, a total of $450,000, went to Olde Towne Medical and Dental Center for its Basic Operating Support Program, the release states.

“This has been a consistent grant for many years,” Sale said. “We appreciate all Olde Towne and our other local safety net clinics have done to see both insured and uninsured patients.”

Other beneficiaries included Grove Christian Outreach Center’s children’s summer lunch program ($5,000), Virginia Peninsula Foodbank’s mobile food pantry fresh produce program ($20,000) and New Horizons Family Counseling Center’s youth and family program ($100,000), according to the release.

“At the Foundation, we always remind people that we all have a role to play in making ours a healthier community,” Sale said. “Be kind, help someone who needs you, or support a local organization. It all goes a long way towards making ours a healthy community. ”

Williamsburg Health Foundation grants

The Arc of Greater Williamsburg, Fitness Program, $25,000.

Center for Child and Family Services, Child and Family Connection’s Violence Prevention and Intervention Program, $35,000.